“Really – a whole box of beef jerky?”On this episode of we look at film history and a movie that features an incredible 13 exploding helicopters, the most in any film ever: ALIEN RUBICON (2024).We discuss the film’s, erm, lack of discussion points, irritating lead characters, sloppy wardrobe decisions, and, of course, the exploding helicopter action.Episode 164.Show notesAlien Rubicon (2024)Plot: A series of alien spheres land on planet Earth destroying everything in their path with ease. It's up to a scientist and the President of the USA to find a way to stop the alien invasion.Director: Adrian AvilaCast: Michael Pare, Preston Geer, Paul Logan

“In this world – even good has to clench its fists.”You know what the trouble with superhero movies is? They’re all a bit too American. So, on this episode we’re taking a look at GUARDIANS (2017), a Russian attempt to create a team of caped crusaders.We discuss the film’s Soviet Union inspired themes, it’s many similarities to Hollywood superhero movies, and the exploding helicopter action. 

“I treated him like my brother – the one I didn’t kill.”In a desperate bid for topical relevancy, we thought the release of The Naked Gun reboot was a good reason to go back and review the only entry in that series to feature an exploding helicopter: The Naked Gun 33 1/3 – The Final Insult.Joining us on this show is Doug Tilley (that’s t-i-l-l-E-y] from Cinema Smorgasbord. We discuss the fate of theatrical comedies, the film’s bizarre WWE tie-in, and a unique (well, almost) exploding helicopter.Episode 162.Show notesFollow Exploding HelicopterBluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.socialWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFind Cinema Smorgasbord Website: cinemasmorgasbord.comFacebook: facebook.com/groups/cinemasmorgasbord/Bluesky: cinemasmorgasbord.bsky.social

“I see you still like the granola type.”On this episode we take a look at The Asylum’s BIGFOOT (2012), a film that pits Partridge Family and Brady Bunch alumni against each other in a wild fight to the death atop Mount Rushmore.We’re joined by Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur to discuss stunt casting, the curious film trope of presidential portraits, and the exact location of Kevin Costner’s statute from The Postman. All this, and a look at the first and only helicopter blown up by a trash can.Episode 161.

“Arigato Gamera…..”On this episode we review the Japanese monster movie, Gamera vs Gyaos (1967).We discuss how the titular prehistoric turtle matches up against Godzilla, the film’s kid friendly slant, and whether all Japanese children are evil sacks of lard.We also examine the exploding helicopter action and the Chinook to ever be blown up on film.Our special guest this time is Fred Andersson. Episode 160.

“Relax – we’re the good guys.”On this show we look at the Bruce Willis science fiction thriller SURROGATES (2009). The film explores what happens when humans being abandon the real world for a virtual one… what could possibly go wrong?Episode 159.

“The thing is – they make you put the furniture together yourself.”On this episode we take a look at another attempt to make a film about people tapping a computer keyboard, SWORDFISH (2001).We discuss the history of computer hacking on film and why the makers of this film blew up completely the wrong helicopter.Episode #158

“You can’t kill me – I’m already dead.”On this exciting episode of Exploding Stagecoach we take a look at one of the most divisive films in the history of wooden wheeled transportation destruction, Van Helsing (2004).We discuss what happens when movie monsters collide, the Universal Horror Universe, and all the horse drawn fireball action. Episode 157. 

Before Roger Moore got his licence to kill, he was able to give his 007 persona a dry run in a little-known espionage thriller that’s fallen between the cinema seats of film history, CROSSPLOT (1969). We’re joined by the Lambcast’s Richard Kirkham to see how Britain’s favourite eyebrow waggler acquits himself in this tale of international intrigue and assignation. Episode 156.

“It’s not the meat – it’s the heat.”On this episode we look at Zach Snyder’s zombie heist movie, ARMY OF THE DEAD (2021).As we review the film, we try to make sense of Snyder’s career and an exploding helicopter that is as divisive as the CGI enthusiast himself. Episode 155.

“You’ve been killing me with Hitler’s gun?”On this episode of Exploding Helicopter, we look at the time loop action-comedy BOSS LEVEL (2021).We discuss the film’s video game influenced take on the concept before frazzling our brains by trying to work out EXACTLY how many exploding helicopters the movie features. It’s gets meta-physical baby!Episode 154.Show notesBoss Level (2021)Director: Joe CarnahanCast: Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson, Michelle YeohPlot: Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter

“This body will take some getting used to.”On this episode of the Exploding Helicopter podcast, we look at a remake of one of the most famous science fiction films of the 1950s, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (2008).We discuss the film’s thematic update, the futile efforts to launch Jaden Smith’s acting career, and, of course, the exploding helicopter action. Episode 153.

“I don’t turn into an idiot just because I get horny.”On this show we look at the ultimate high concept thriller, DEADLY ENCOUNTER (1982) – a film about a 90-minute-long helicopter pursuit. We discuss the film’s extravagant aerial stunts, Larry Hagman as a leading man, and whether you can mix and match your aviation fuels. And we of course look at the exploding helicopter action. Show notesDeadly Encounter (1982)Director: William A GrahamCast: Larry Hagman, Susan Anspach, James GammonPlot: An ex-combat helicopter pilot helps a widowed ex-girlfriend find the black book her husband kept from mobsters.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterEpisode 152.

"Listen to me if you want to live."On this show we take a look at the insane, non stop, action-fest CARTER (2022) that's filmed as if it were all one take.We're joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the film's unconventional approach and marvel at not one, not two, not three, but four, YES FOUR, exploding helicopters. Episode 151. 

“Did you leave a cigarette burning?”On this episode we look at one of classics of the disaster movie boom of the 1970s, The Towering Inferno (1974).We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the future of Faye Dunaway’s journalism career, how much water you can really store at the top of a skyscraper, and all the exploding helicopter action.Episode 150.

“Get real Beavis – she’s just clearing her throat.”On this episode we look at yet another volcano disaster movie that features an exploding helicopter, DANTE’S PEAK (1997).There was really only one man for this job, so we’re joined once again by magma movie enthusiast Fred Andersson to discuss the alluring appeal of Pierce Brosnan, the gratuitous glory of grandmothers being dissolved in acid lakes, some of the best miniature work we’ve ever seen, and – of course – the exploding helicopter action.  Episode 149.Show notesDante’s Peak (1997)Director: Roger DonaldsonCast: Pierce Brosnan, Linda HamiltonPlot: A volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second-most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that a nearby long-dormant volcano may awaken at any moment.

"You're not going to kill anyone else are you?"On this episode we're looking at the film that attempted to turn Sir Anthony Hopkins into the next James Bond, WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL (1971).To see if we should award Old Tony a license to thrill is Richard Kirkham from the cryptically titled Kirkham A Movie A Day.Episode 148.NB - Unfortunately, this episode suffers from some audio issues. Hopefully, they're not too distracting. 

“Fifty bucks and the monkey can watch”On this show we’re taking a look an animated film that celebrates the Eighties maverick cop genre, CHUCK STEEL: NIGHT OF THE TRAMPIRES (2018).Our guest on this episode is a podcaster on the edge, a maverick broadcaster who plays by his own rules, is Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur.Episode 147Twitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter

“Most human problems can be solved with an appropriate charge of high explosive”During the 1980s, it seemed as if Hollywood sent every one of its action stars on unsanctioned missions to Vietnam to rescue American POWs. But before Chuck Norris and Sylvester Stallone got in on the MIA rescuing act, it was the more unlikely figure of Gene Hackman who first went in to get ‘our boys’ back. So, on this show, we’re looking at the film that kicked off an entire sub-genre of the Eighties Namsploitation movie boom, UNCOMMON VALOR (1983).We’re joined by Todd Liebenow from the Forgotten Filmcast to discuss Nam movie tropes, the film’s wildly eclectic cast, and whether America got to win this time.Show notesDirector:  Ted KotcheffCast: Gene Hackan, Patrick Swayze, Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb, Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Robert Stack, Tim Thomerson, Harold SylvesterPlot: Ten years after his son went M.I.A. in Vietnam, U.S. Marine retired Colonel Jason Rhodes assembles a private rescue team to find Americans held in P.O.W. camps in Laos.Episode 146.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter

“Strange... I seem to remember... that the cathedral was on the other side of the square.”On this episode of Exploding Cable Car we take a look at the classic war epic WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968).We discuss inept interrogation tactics, Richard Burton’s bad mood, and all the explosive cable transportation action.Episode 145.